Ibom Air Saga: Emmanson Drags FG, NCAA, Ibom Air, Others to Court, Demands N500bn Over Alleged Aviation Impunity

Public interest lawyer, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has filed a N500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and several other aviation stakeholders at the Federal High Court, Lagos. The case revolves around alleged impunity in the handling of two controversial aviation incidents involving veteran musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) and passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson.

According to Mediaplusng.com, the suit with reference number FHC/L/CS/1632/25, lists as respondents: the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo (SAN), NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ibom Air, ValueJet, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Police Force, King Wasiu Ayinde, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).

At a press conference in Lagos, Ademiluyi — who also serves as Convener of the Movement for Justice and Secretary of the Radical Gender Movement — said the action was necessary to uphold accountability and protect public interest.

In a report by Mediaplusng.com, Ademiluyi stressed that the matter goes beyond individual personalities, pointing instead to a deeper systemic failure within Nigeria’s aviation industry. He warned against “a banana republic situation where someone can stop a plane with bare hands and walk away without consequences.”

The lawyer criticised the disparity in handling both incidents, alleging that while Ms. Emmanson was swiftly sanctioned, King Wasiu faced no arrest, prosecution, or arraignment despite serious allegations. Instead, he noted, Kwam 1 was rewarded with a brand ambassadorship role in the aviation sector — a decision he described as a slap on the rule of law.

> “There was no arrest, no arraignment, no prosecution of Mr. Kwam 1. Instead, he was elevated. What message does this send to the public?” Ademiluyi asked.

He further accused Minister Festus Keyamo of acting inappropriately, suggesting that he appeared to be defending one of the airlines involved rather than enforcing aviation laws.

Ademiluyi is asking the court for an order of mandamus to compel relevant authorities to take action against King Wasiu and ensure that the rule of law is respected. He also faulted the Airline Operators of Nigeria for initially imposing a lifetime ban on Emmanson, describing their role as “complainant, prosecutor, and judge” in the matter.

> “The central issue remains: Mr. Kwam 1 is walking free. This is a big slap on the rule of law. The judiciary must use this case to set a clear precedent that no one — regardless of status or influence — is above the law,” he insisted.

The N500 billion lawsuit, he emphasized, is not just about individual grievances but about protecting Nigeria’s aviation system and restoring confidence in the rule of law.

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